Importance of IB Programme at Secondary Schools in Singapore

IB is an acronym for International Baccalaureate. IB is an educational program that encourages imagination and creativity. It offers high-quality and challenging academic programs in secondary schools at three different levels of students' academic journey in Singapore. The three different levels of the IB program are the IB Diploma Programme for students aged between 16 and 19, the IB Middle Years Programme for students aged between 11 and 16, and the IB Primary Years Programme for students aged between 3 and 12.

Understanding Singapore IB journey

IB Singapore is all about the concept of three different levels of the program offered in secondary schools.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The Primary year Programme aims to offer a comprehensive approach towards building the early years of a student’s life. This 5-year program is for students from age 6 to 10. Based on the students' abilities to take ownership and responsibility for the learning, the Primary Years Programme builds an understanding through its inquiry-based transdisciplinary curriculum.

The students are often curious to learn while constantly reflecting on their learning. Through this hands-on way, students acquire deep knowledge and understanding of their skills.

In the PYP offered by international primary schools in Singapore, subjects like Mathematics, English, Social Science, and Science have more importance and students are encouraged to perform experimental learning. Other than core subjects, it is mandatory to pick a secondary language. PYP aims to prepare students for middle school in Singapore and provide them a strong foundation for higher grades.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The Middle Years Programme offers a secondary level framework, which is equivalent to IGCSE. The MYP allows students to transit from primary years smoothly while preparing for further secondary education.

This program is offered to sixth and eighth-grade students. The curriculum makes its students compare practical connections between the real world and what’s learned in class, preparing them for a higher rate of success in life and as well as in future education. Students graduating from this curriculum are not only creative thinkers, but are also empowered with an inquisitive mindset to develop a deep understanding of ideas and issues. This curriculum organizes the learning and teaching process in eight subjects, intending to promote interdisciplinary study. The benefit of MYP is developing critical academic skills, taking ownership of the learning, and connecting the classroom to a larger world.

Diploma Programme (DP)

The IBDP is offered to students between grades 9 and 12. DP is a rigorous program with students’ final examinations being evaluated by examiners worldwide. This two-year curriculum offers deep thinking that connects them intellectually, skill-wise, and emotionally. The Diploma Programme requires students to complete six courses at a standard or higher level to ensure a holistic learning experience. Because of its all-rounded curriculum, IBDP is awarded as the gold card in colleges and universities around the world.

Understanding of IB Results

The IB program involves taking six subjects (three at higher level and three at standard level) over two years. Coursework and final examinations are combined for assessment. For each subject, the grading scale ranges from 1-7, with TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essays and the Extended Essay awarding up to 3 additional points. An IB diploma requires a minimum of 24 points and a maximum of 45 points. As of 2020, the world average IB pass rate is approximately 82%, and the world average IB points are 29.92.

Benefits of IB Programme

Developing Multilingual skills

Nowadays, multilingualism is beneficial in personal and development growth. In certain Indian Singapore IB schools, students take up additional language to perform well, as the IB program spots multilingualism as a crucial role in developing students while placing importance on the confident expression of students in more than one language.

Learning how to learn

IB students learn the curriculum and not just go with memorizing. This provides students with the ability to persist and pursue learning. This learning process also encourages its students to process and apply knowledge to develop positivity in gaining new knowledge.

Ability to perform better

The IB program encourages students of all ages to consider the local and global environment. The IB program in secondary schools is known to develop strong social, academic, and emotional characteristics. With their persistence in learning and knowledge, IB students are likely to perform better academically. The rigorous curriculum under the IB program also prepares its students for the demand of colleges and universities globally.

Conclusion

Even though the IB program can be challenging and may not be suitable for every child, some parents prefer to send their children to secondary schools for their Singapore IB program, for the rewards and knowledge they acquire. The Singapore IB program is known to produce graduates who are knowledgeable and caring, as well as providing child-centered, and holistic learning. International schools in Singapore are committed to instilling knowledge, values, and the spirit of excellence in their students.